Chapter 71: The Choice That Matters

Jade burst into the chamber, gun drawn. "SHADE, DON'T!"

Shade stood over Marius, his knife at the man's throat.

His breath was ragged.

His hands shook.

Because for the first time—

He realized.

Marius didn't need to win.

Marius had already won.

Because Shade had done the one thing Lucian had always wanted.

He had become the villain.

Jade's voice cracked. "Please. Come back to me."

Shade's fingers trembled on the blade.

And in that moment—

He had to decide.

Finish the war.

Or save himself.